In An Irish Summer, Alexandra Paige weaves a charming tale of self-discovery, personal growth, and the magic that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone. The story follows Chelsea, a young woman who has built her life in the familiar setting of Boston, working at O’Shea’s Bed and Breakfast since her college graduation. When the B&B is suddenly sold, Chelsea is left with a looming deadline to find a new job and apartment, and this sets the stage for an unexpected summer adventure in Galway, Ireland.

The book opens with Chelsea's reluctance to leave behind the life she's built for herself in Boston. She's surrounded by her best friend, family, and a job she loves, so when the B&B is sold, her world is turned upside down. Rather than immediately return to square one in Boston, Chelsea takes a summer gig at The Wanderer, a hostel in Galway, hoping it will give her time to figure out her next move. However, as soon as she arrives in Ireland, it's clear that Chelsea is out of her element. Galway’s relentless rain, lack of iced coffee, and shared bathrooms clash with her idea of comfort, leading her to quickly long for the stability of home. Paige does an excellent job in drawing you in enough to where you feel this discomfort and sort of anxiousness around the question "what do I do next". This rings especially true for those of us who have experienced the proverbial rug pulled out from under us regarding our own safety and comfort in a job.

What makes this novel so endearing is its exploration of how Chelsea’s perspective of her time abroad begins to change over time. Despite her initial complaints, her new coworkers at The Wanderer, especially with Collin the handsome, charismatic and adventurous tour guide staying down the hall from her at the hostel, she discovers the beauty in her new surroundings. Collin strikes up a deal with Chelsea being that he will show her the best of Ireland, and in return, she must keep an open mind. The chemistry between Chelsea and Collin is palpable, with the budding romance providing both heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments throughout the book. Let's be honest Ireland brings out the romantic in us all.

Paige does a fantastic job of painting Galway as a place of enchantment. The descriptions of the Irish landscape, the vibrant yet quaint hostel life, and the cultural contrasts between Boston and Ireland create a deeply immersive setting that will make readers feel as though they’ve traveled to Galway themselves. It certainly transported me back to my travels in Ireland and gave me that extra sense of nostalgia for the country I fell in love with. Through Collin's guidance, Chelsea begins to experience Ireland’s unique charm, and she starts to realize that the adventure she thought she dreaded is exactly what she needed.

What stood out to me most was its thematic exploration of finding yourself when you're forced out of your comfort zone. Chelsea’s emotional journey is relatable for anyone who’s faced change or uncertainty in their life. The tension between the familiarity of home and the allure of something new is an arguably age-old dilemma, and Paige captures this internal conflict beautifully. Chelsea’s struggle between staying in her safe, predictable life in Boston and embracing the unknown in Ireland is the driving force of the novel, and it's done with warmth and humor. As someone who struggles with remaining in my own comfort bubble it lent a relatability and authentic aspect to the character that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The romance aspect in this novel is equally well-handled. Collin is not just a love interest but also a character who pushes Chelsea to expand her horizons. Their relationship evolves from one of simple attraction to something more profound, as they both learn from each other’s differing approaches to life.

An Irish Summer is a delightful read, perfect for anyone who has ever considered stepping away from the familiar to embark on a new adventure. It combines the magic of summer romance with the personal transformation that comes from embracing the unknown. Whether you’re a fan of travel stories, romantic comedies, or just a well-crafted tale of self-discovery, this novel offers a refreshing escape to Ireland and a reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get lost in a new place. Paige’s storytelling is rich with heart, humor, and plenty of Irish charm, making it a perfect read for those dreaming of an adventurous getaway both in the real world and in the pages of a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this novel and being transported back to the beautiful Emerald Isle.

An Irish Summer is a sweet romance set in Ireland. The setting, history and culture are a big part of the enchanting vibe in the book. It's full of vibrant characters and a lively vibe. Although it lacks any real surprises, it'll be enjoyed by those who like romantic banter, Irish settings, and an even-kreled journey. 3.5✨️

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
First person POV, dual narrative
Linear timeline
MF Open Door Romance
FMC: Hannah | MMC: Liam
Setting: County Clare, Ireland

This book is the perfect mix of romance, charm, and just the right amount of escapism. From the moment I started, I was transported to the stunning Irish countryside, and the atmosphere that was created is absolutely magical. The setting alone made me want to pack my bags and head straight for Ireland, especially since my ancestors are from County Clare!!

The romance between Hannah and Liam is sweet, natural, and totally believable. I loved how the relationship unfolded—no rushing, just two people discovering each other in the most real and heartwarming way. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and there’s just enough tension to keep you turning pages.
There are definitely moments of sexual tension and chemistry between Hannah and Liam that lead to some steamy scenes. It’s not overly explicit, but there’s just enough to keep things exciting and add a bit of passion to their connection. If you enjoy a romance with some heat but not overwhelming spice, this book hits the perfect balance!
Beyond the romance, there’s so much heart in this book. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and you can’t help but root for them. Whether it’s their personal growth, dealing with family, or figuring out what they truly want in life, there’s so much depth to the story.

If you’re looking for a feel-good, romantic read that’ll leave you with a smile on your face, An Irish Summer is definitely worth picking up. Alexandra Paige has a way of making you feel right at home in Ireland, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Highly recommend!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Thanks for the ARC! I want to include this book on my blog as part of a series on travel themed summer reading. It will likely be out by the end of the month, but certainly before the publication date. Thanks again for my advanced copy, I enjoyed reading it and am happy to promote it.

Chelsea’s world is shaken up when she loses her awesome job working at a hotel. The owners are selling, leaving her suddenly jobless, and also homeless. They soften the blow by recommending her for a job in their sister’s successful hostel—an amazing deal, complete with living accommodations. …But it’s in Galway, Ireland. She reluctantly agrees to go, not because she wants to, but because it’s the just marginally better then her other crappy options, like moving home and working for her parents. She begrudgingly moves to Ireland for the summer, feeling booted from her cozy nest in Boston, the beloved city she grew up in.
When she gets to the Wanderer in Galway, she’s homesick and generally feeling bummed. Yet she makes fast friends with the staff of the Wanderer, an eclectic, close-knit bunch from around the world. They’ve made the Wanderer their home, and the crew their chosen family. Everyone is so happy to be part of the community, while all Chelsea can do is stress about picking up the pieces of her life. Yearning to be home- she spends her free time applying to jobs in Boston.
Collin is the Wanderer’s bartender and tour guide. He’s immediately infatuated with Chelsea. One smalllll problem is that Chelsea is unimpressed with Ireland; and Collin really loves his country. They establish a witty rapport, a playful challenging banter fluttering around the possibility of Collin changing Chelseas’s mind about how awesome his home is. So, he offers to show her around the best sites in Ireland while she’s there for the summer, partially to promote his Irish pride, partially as an excuse to spend time with her and hopefully convince her to after the summer. And thus, it kicks off an opposites attract, friends to lovers slow burn romance.
Through this plot device, Collin shows us Irish customs, local sports, shares his home-spun fairy folklore and takes us to the coolest hidden gems and dreamiest landscapes in the country. Beyond Collin’s pursuit of Chelsea is an unmissable, but completely engrossing love song for Ireland that completely spun it’s magic on me.
Collin is a loveable, cool guy type of character. His joy-de-vivre is infections and live-in-the-moment philosophy could fill a mountain of fortune cookies. Chelsea, on the other hand, was a little frustrating. She’s so fixated on returning to Boston, and at times it felt a little forced. I understand it’s utility in the plot, and it does drive some tension and it effectively set the tone that her time in Galway is fleeting. But, her I couldn’t relate to her attitude. I would have been TRIPPING over myself to take that job at the Wanderer and she was so dismal about it.
The story feels young and adventurous. Brimming with joy and feels like a dream. Time stands still in this novel- frames the halcyon days in peachy sunsets and dewey meadows. Maybe that’s just me projecting, because it’s how I look back on my study abroad experience. Or maybe because it’s the pretty cover art- it sucked me in and I want to live there forever.
This was a fun and light-hearted novel, that speaks to the transformative power of traveling. it’s as much a celebration of the Emerald Isle as a travel romance

A very, very Irish read, with so many Irish phrases that I was left feeling like an idiot and clueless as to what was being said continually throughout the book. I like the overall message that sometimes your dream future isn't what you thought it would be. But the actual romance fell flat for me. The FMC came across as rude and immature, and the chemistry between her and the MMC felt non-existent. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Thank you Harper Collin’s and NetGalley for the ARC.

The good: I enjoyed the book’s setting of Galway Ireland and the authors loving treatment of Ireland, her people and traditions.

The not-so-good: main character Chelsea was insufferable. She was spoiled and had such a negative attitude about being in Ireland, I question how Collin could have been attracted to her. Some witty banter between the two of them would have gone a long way, but the lead up to romance was pretty flat. The second half picked up, Chelsea gave in to Collin and Ireland and all ended well, as expected.

This book is about a girl who loses her job and ends up moving to Ireland for a job opportunity there.

I am going to be honest I had a super hard time reading this book as I have someone close to me with the same name as the FMC which made reading this book very uncomfortable for me especially during the more spicy scenes.

The writing is ok, it’s not great but it’s not terrible either, I do enjoy the plot but I just felt like there was something missing and like it was dragging on.

I do think there are a lot of people that would enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the arc

I thought this would be a good beach read. What I liked: Chelsea and Collin’s banter was cute at times, and I liked the plot of Chelsea being on a journey to find herself. What I did not like: it was hard to connect with Chelsea as I felt she was negative, but it also could appeal to someone who is in that sort of journey in their life. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

Let me preface this by saying I absolutely love traveling and am so blessed and grateful to have been able to have my own experiences embracing culture. Having said that, the first 40% of the book was almost difficult to read as Chelsea, the FMC, was an absolute brat. She’s so stiff and rigid in her structure that it comes across judgmental and ungrateful which really bothered me. The MMC, Collin, is a quintessential Irish bloke, full of banter and bravado; the loveable golden-retriever type.

Once Chelsea FINALLY loosened up, embracing her European adventure and the possibility of a summer fling, I really began to enjoy the story unfold. In the end, her character arch and the lessons learned redeemed her in my eyes. The other characters in this book were individually unique and spunky, which injected a lot of spirit into the novel. Furthermore, the Irish setting and vivid descriptions were lovely to read, as was the traditional folklore.

Read if you like:
-slow-burn
-friends to lovers
-found family
-forced proximity

OVERALL RATING: 3.25 ⭐️

☘️ PUB DATE: July 1, 2025
Thank you so much @netgalley @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this delightful novel!

☘️ Grumpy heroine, sunshine hero
☘️ Ireland
☘️ Summer romance
☘️ Slow burn
☘️ Fish out of water
☘️ Amazing best friends
☘️ He falls first
☘️Mostly clean

If you want a cute romance novel set in one of the most beautiful places in the world (in my opinion), look no further! This novel was so cute and I fell hard for these characters!
This one was a definite slow-burn, and mostly clean.
I did want more of Chelsea's Jewish background to shine through. It was mentioned a lot, but wasn't elaborated on, and I think that would have a lovely mix of cultures and upbringings.
Reader be warned: Chelsea was a bit insufferable at the beginning of the story, but I would also be grumpy if I lost my job with zero warning.
I want Collin to show me around Ireland and tell me stories! What a sweet cinnamon roll of a man!

🌶️🌶️/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟/5

If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad for a season—of trading in your routine for a little adventure—An Irish Summer will have you packing your bags in no time. This charming rom-com, set against the rolling green hills and breathtaking cliffs of Ireland, is a delightful blend of slow-burn romance, found family, and the magic of unexpected change.

Chelsea’s carefully planned life takes an abrupt turn when the bed & breakfast she’s worked at in Boston is being sold. With no immediate options on the horizon, she reluctantly accepts a summer position at a hostel called The Wanderer in Ireland. She imagines it will be a temporary stint to get her life back on track. But what she doesn’t expect is how much she’ll come to love both the people at the hostel—especially the rugged and enigmatic Collin—and the country itself.

What stands out most in An Irish Summer is the heartwarming theme of how life’s unexpected turns can lead to growth and transformation. Chelsea’s journey reminds us that even when we think we have everything planned out, the universe sometimes has a different adventure in mind. The story beautifully captures the uncertainty and beauty of stepping into the unknown.

The romance between Chelsea and Collin is a perfect blend of tension and tenderness. It’s the kind of cracked-door romance that lets you feel every spark, but keeps you eagerly waiting for more. Their connection feels natural and layered, growing deeper over the course of the summer. There’s an undeniable chemistry between them, but the story wisely lets their relationship unfold slowly, mirroring the gradual change Chelsea undergoes in the picturesque Irish countryside.

But it’s not just about the romance—An Irish Summer is also about finding a sense of belonging. Chelsea’s experiences at The Wanderer create a found family of quirky, lovable characters that become more than just colleagues or friends. It’s a reminder that sometimes the people we least expect become the most important parts of our lives.

The setting of Ireland is absolutely enchanting, and the author does an excellent job of bringing it to life. From the wild cliffs to the cozy hostel atmosphere, it’s easy to imagine yourself there, walking alongside Chelsea as she contemplates her future. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of taking a leap of faith and living abroad, this book will make you want to make that dream a reality.

Overall, An Irish Summer is a delightful, feel-good escape, perfect for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance and the idea of finding home in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a Hallmark movie come to life, this one’s for you.

Thank you Avon Books Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC!

I really wanted to love this story, but the FMC Chelsea was just insufferable. I think if this was set up as dual pov between the FMC and MMC the reader could see some better qualities in the FMC. As it was, I just found the FMC so rude and combative at all times. Unfortunately she stated that way clear up until maybe the last chapter where she suddenly did a 180.

I think the set up of the story is great, a woman who looses her job and takes a summer job and has a summer romance, but she just hated everything and talked down about everyone’s job. I can’t imagine the MMC truly falling in love with her with how she treated him and his life.

Again, the premise was really cute, but a likable FMC would help the story.

A quick and refreshing read. The descriptions of Ireland were lovely and made me remember my time there. Recommend.

The most important thing to note in my review is that this book got me out of a reading slump.

This book was everything that I needed during the time that I read it. I had been in a reading slump after reading a book that I didn't love, and every book that I picked up afterward just wasn't sticking.

Enter An Irish Summer.

I was so excited when I got approved for this arc because not only is Ireland my favorite place but I read Weekends with You by Alexandra last year and really enjoyed it.

This book is all about self discovery and taking chances. Chelsea is determined to not like Ireland; she is determined to follow her life plan. As a result, she starts by approaching her move to Ireland with a very negative mindset. I can see how some readers are saying that this was frustrating for them, but to me, it felt so real. Having a plan and wanting to stick to it resonates with me as I have similar tendencies. However, we see a large amount of character development in Chelsea as time goes on. She begins to become more open to Ireland and allows herself to enjoy her experiences (I was so proud of her!).

I love the found family in this book. Chelsea may have been close minded about Ireland in the beginning, but the people she meets become her family; they become her home, and it is wonderful to read (if you follow my reviews you know how much I love found family!).

I also love the relationship between Chelsea and Collin. He is so determined to show her a genuine Irish experience and he never gives up on her. The conflicts that they face feel realistic and that makes the reader have no choice but to root for them the whole time. Also, Collin is a green flag boyfriend!

After having read Weekends with You and now An Irish Summer, I can see the growth in the author's writing. Ireland is my favorite place and I have been twice, and the places that the characters visit in this book are written in a way where I can envision how they actually are in real life.

This book was absolutely adorable. I loved the setting, the character development, and the found family / relationship dynamics. It got me out of a reading slump and now I am back to being excited about reading again. I can't wait to read more of Alexandra Paige's books!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager for this ARC!

This is a story about a lost twenty-something trying to figure out what to do with her life. When the bed & breakfast she works for in Boston suddenly closes and the opportunity to move to Ireland for the summer at a hostel in Galway drops in her lap basically everyone in her life told her she’d be ridiculous to say no.

I loved the backdrop of Ireland, having spent a summer there when I was 21 on a study abroad program, it was very nostalgic to go along with Chelsea to the same places I’d been to. I loved Collin and his positive attitude. How lucky for Chelsea to have a friend/love interest so determined not to give up on her and her bad attitude.

Now the not so good. Chelsea is pretty insufferable for the first 40% of this book. People are so nice and welcoming to her and she’s in a bad mood because she was forced to move to Ireland? (She was not forced, but the way she acts makes it seem that way). Also the amount of unsolicited advice she gets from everyone she comes across is a bit much at times. I started marking it in my kindle, and it’s a lot of times.

Overall, this is an easy read and can be enjoyable especially after Chelsea gets over herself and takes all the unsolicited advice she is given.

I rated this 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced digital copy of this book.

hank you @avonbooks for this ARC! Feel the magic of Galway on July 1st☘️🇮🇪

This was a perfect love letter to Ireland, self-discovery, love, and what it means to follow your heart—no matter the obstacles.

After Chelsea loses both her apartment and job when her beloved bosses sell their B&B, she’s offered a position at a quaint hostel in Ireland run by her boss’s sister. The short-term gig is meant to tide her over for the summer, giving her a place to stay and, conveniently, an escape from her overbearing Jewish parents.

Determined to keep her head down and spend her free time plotting her return to Boston, Chelsea has no intention of embracing Ireland—until she meets Collin, the hostel’s tour guide, handyman, and bartender. Collin immediately picks up on Chelsea’s disdain for the Wanderer and all things Irish, so he makes it his mission to give her a summer she’ll never forget.

Alongside Collin, a lively cast of hostel employees that includes Flo, who becomes Chelsea’s much needed voice of reason, and Lars, who brings humor and warmth help her redefine success, happiness, and what home truly means.

⭐️⭐️💫

I loved “seeing” the sights of Ireland and enjoyed Collin’s playful way of imparting his love of Ireland through his storytelling and vast knowledge of its myths, stories, and attractions. I wish we got more of this. I also enjoyed Chelsea’s one-liners and banter with Collin. The premise of An Irish Summer is great - a summer job in Ireland with free room and board and a romance to boot. What could go wrong?

Chelsea. Chelsea is what went wrong. I wanted to love this book so much, but she is very hard to like. As the main character, this is tough to overcome. She doesn’t want to be in Ireland. At. All. And she tells everyone she’s only there until she can get another hospitality job back in her hometown of Boston. That would be fine if it was just in the beginning, but it continues for far, far too long into the story, like 75% - 80%. Honestly, I can’t believe any of the other characters give her the time of day. Chelsea is closed-off, boring, rigid, and self-important. I like continued character growth and genuine interactions throughout the book I’m reading, and both are lacking in this one. Chelsea is a weakly developed character whose primary identity is she’s a city girl from Boston.

Speaking of Boston, the city “where her whole entire life is,” yet she only has one friend, parents that she is ungrateful for, no apartment, no significant other, and no contacts in the hospitality industry that she spent the last six years working in, prior to losing her job. She also never lets you forget she’s from Boston, it’s like she’s perpetrating the ‘masshole’ stereotype all by herself. And, how does she live in one of the most Irish cities in the U.S. and not know what a claddagh ring is? She’s twenty-eight years old. I can understand forgetting which way to wear it, but not know what one is?

The thing is, An Irish Summer could be good. Scratch Chelsea’s constant complaining and show us more of Ireland, incorporate more of Chelsea’s Jewish upbringing and heritage, more character development in general and more of how Chelsea managed to become great at her job, at the hostel, in just eight weeks. Maybe I’m just at a point in my life that I am over trying to change people who don’t want to be changed or maybe I’m up for travel adventures. Since Chelsea falls into the former and is so resistant to the latter, we’re just not a good match. That’s not to say Chelsea and An Irish Summer aren’t for you. Chelsea does change and grow. It comes ... eventually, but the journey there is too long and repetitive.

Thank you to publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing the digital ARC via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

As someone whose in their Irish era right now, I was hoping for more from this book, but I just found the characters fairly irritating... Chelsea was just too messy and indecisive for me. As a type A person, I struggle with these kinds of characters but I know some people will love her.

I loved this book and want to get on a flight to Ireland right now. At times I wanted to just shake Chelsea but she had to go on her own journey. The descriptions on the country are beautiful. I can’t wait to recommend to my friends.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free copy of An Irish Summer in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 2.75 rounded up to 3 stars

This book follows Chelsea who works in Boston and feels like she has all she needs until one day she doesn't. In the same day she loses not only her job but her apartment and finds herself choosing between either starting over at her parents or moving to Ireland for the summer. The obvious choice is Ireland, right? Apparently, not for Chelsea.

Chelsea is presented as your everyday type A person. She envisions her future in Boston, the perfect job, a husband, and white picket fence in the suburbs and nothing else will do. I totally empathize with losing a job and your home in one day and how hard that can be. However, I did not understand why Chelsea was so against Ireland! She never once was excited about the prospect of Ireland how amazing a summer in another country could be. She made it seem like Ireland was like moving to the middle of nowhere Iowa. Sorry to anyone from Iowa! It was so baffling and immediately made me not like the one person I'm supposed to be rooting for. I just can't imagine anyone not jumping at the opportunity to spend a whole summer in Ireland with a job and a place to stay already arranged!

Chelsea overall was insufferable. She didn't want to be in Ireland and instead of trying to enjoy her time there, she felt her job and everyone she worked with were beneath her and that it wasn't worth it to get to know anyone or enjoy being in another country. Collin was the only saving grace. But even then I don't understand how he was attracted to Chelseas at all. Collin is in love with Ireland and the beauty and history of the country and wants Chelsea to feel the same. All Chelsea can do is b*tch and moan about not being in Boston and how there's no point in getting to know the people or the country if she's leaving after the summer. Even if you're only there for the summer why would you not want to enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in a new culture!

Of course her and Collin fall in love, again, how Collin likes Chelsea is beyond me. But I get why Chelsea likes Collin. He's way too good for her. Although I could go without being told about how his tattoos peaked out of his shirt all the time.

Overall the descriptions of Ireland were great and I enjoyed the fairy stories and the edition of the ceilidh dance. But not being able to connect with the main character really hurt my enjoyment of the story.